1996 Ford Taurus - sudden downshift

After driving at highway speeds in 90+ weather for 4 hours, my Taurus started to periodically downshift into first for no reason. The transmission has been checked and the shop can't find a problem, nor get it the car to duplicate the problem after driving 40 miles. Any ideas?

I have had the transmission serviced. Pan pulled (no metal), filter replaced, fluid replaced (it was burnt according to the transmission tech), no check engine light or codes to explain problem.I have had the transmission serviced. Pan pulled (no metal), filter replaced, fluid replaced (it was burnt according to the transmission tech), no check engine light or codes to explain problem.

Before replacing the filter and fluid or any parts in the transmission , it’s important that the
wiring between the computer and the transmission be thoroughly
inspected. Many intermittent problems are attributed to poor electrical
connections or problems with wiring.

Were you in cruise control mode? because that is what it sounds like. if you have no problems with the trans mission and your cruise is on and it slips in and out of gear either your losing the signal from your cruis moduleor the solenoid in the trans that interfaces with the cruise module is the culprit chances are you have developed a small pin hole in a vaccum line in the cruise circuit that could cause this glitch as well. i would check this asap. good luck

The burnt fluid tells most of the story, it means that you have burned the clutches inside the transmission, along with the damaged clutches, this burnt material has been circulating around inside the transmission, which will really gum up moving parts. You will not get codes for a purely mechanical problem, and there is no sensor for mechanical failures, so it sounds like you need a removal and repair of the transmission. This is sad news, but when you discover burnt fluid there is no easy fix for any automatic transmission .

One more thing, when you do have the transmission repaired, remember to have the transmission cooling lines and cooler flushed out, don't need any of this trash flowing around your fixed unit. One more thing, when you do have the transmission repaired, remember to have the transmission cooling lines and cooler flushed out, don't need any of this trash flowing around your fixed unit.

Check the transmission fluid level, if it's low, youhave a leak & Look for fluids that have leaked on the ground belowthe transmission. Check the transmission case as well. Fluid can leakfrom seals, gaskets, fluid cooler and lines. Pinpoint the exact sourceof the leak to make proper repairs.

Place a few drops of transmission fluid on a whitepaper towel. Red or light brown fluid that spreads easily over thetowel is in good condition. Dark brown or black fluid that is gooey orthick fluid needs replacing to allow proper pressure and lubricationwithin the transmission.

Replace the fluid filter to ensure it's in goodworking order. Check the old filter for metal shavings, which are asign of wear and require a fluid flush.

Look at your check engine light to verify it has notcome on. If the check engine is on, take the car to a mechanic who canpull the code and pinpoint the problem. Electronic transmissions candetect even small faults in operation, and you may want to drive thecar to verify that the problem was not a one-time or erroneous error.

Seek the assistance of a professional if the car is nolonger going into gear, slipping out of gear while driving or asubstantial amount of fluid is leaking. Fixing a transmission problemon your car early can save you money and help keep you on the road fora long time to come.

Check the transmission fluid level, if it's low, you
have a leak & Look for fluids that have leaked on the ground below
the transmission. Check the transmission case as well. Fluid can leak
from seals, gaskets, fluid cooler and lines. Pinpoint the exact source
of the leak to make proper repairs.

Place a few drops of transmission fluid on a white
paper towel. Red or light brown fluid that spreads easily over the
towel is in good condition. Dark brown or black fluid that is gooey or
thick fluid needs replacing to allow proper pressure and lubrication
within the transmission.

Replace the fluid filter to ensure it's in good
working order. Check the old filter for metal shavings, which are a
sign of wear and require a fluid flush.

Look at your check engine light to verify it has not
come on. If the check engine is on, take the car to a mechanic who can
pull the code and pinpoint the problem. Electronic transmissions can
detect even small faults in operation, and you may want to drive the
car to verify that the problem was not a one-time or erroneous error.

Seek the assistance of a professional if the car is no
longer going into gear, slipping out of gear while driving or a
substantial amount of fluid is leaking. Fixing a transmission problem
on your car early can save you money and help keep you on the road for
a long time to come.

Seek the assistance of a professional if the car is nolonger going into gear, slipping out of gear while driving or asubstantial amount of fluid is leaking. Fixing a transmission problemon your car early can save you money and help keep you on the road fora long time to come.

Seek the assistance of a professional if the car is no
longer going into gear, slipping out of gear while driving or a
substantial amount of fluid is leaking. Fixing a transmission problem
on your car early can save you money and help keep you on the road for
a long time to come.

Tell us some more! Your answer needs to include more details to help people.You can't post answers that contain an email address.Please enter a valid email address.The email address entered is already associated to an account.Login to postPlease use English characters only.

check the shift cable, it may have broke or is way out of adjustment. the cable for downshifting. if the cable is ok, then check throttle position sensor at throttle plate on side of throttle body. this has a major effect on transmission shifting.

you'r hoping the tranny's not good? any way, yes it sound like its sliping and slipping badly, if cost is a factor one from a junked unit in good codition should work out fine how ever a rebuilt or exchange unit is even better

Sounds like a bearing in the transmission is failing. I would drain the trans pan and check for metal pieces in the bottom of the pan that normally don't belong there. Normal wear is a gray coating of material in the pan.

Are you using the correct grade of fuel.Manufacturers claim that a car will do 28 to the gallon.This is done under ideal conditions at a constant speed on a rolling road.Wind, hills, overtaking and tire pressures will decrease fuel mileage.Your car is ok. Don`t expect much more unless you want to drive at 56mphgood luck